Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe

You’ve got to try this Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe — it’s honestly one of my favorites when I want something fresh, vibrant, and packed full of nutrients. I love how it balances crunchy textures, sweet fruits, and tangy cheese, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a showstopper side at your next potluck.

What really makes this salad special is how it brings together twelve powerhouse ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, add more color to your plate, or just enjoy a deliciously satisfying salad, this Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe has got you covered — and I promise it’s easier to make than it looks!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe is in the mix — every ingredient adds a different texture, flavor, or nutrition punch. Plus, most of these are pantry or freezer staples that you can keep on hand, which makes this salad a go-to anytime.

• Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that provides a fluffy base and keeps you full longer.
• Edamame: Adds a pop of fresh green color and a gentle crunch, while boosting the protein content.
• Curly kale: Fiber-rich, hearty, and perfect for holding the dressing without wilting too fast.
• Blueberries: Burst of sweetness and antioxidants that brighten every forkful.
• Red grapes: Juicy sweetness with an elegant touch and refreshing bite.
• Dried cherries: Give a deep, tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the fresh fruit.
• Feta, goat, or parmesan cheese: Adds creaminess and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Sunflower seeds: Nutty crunch without the heaviness of nuts, great for texture variety.
• Walnuts: Earthy crunch and heart-healthy fats to support brain and heart health.
• Orange juice: Tangy sweetness in the dressing that ties all the flavors together.
• Olive oil: Smooth base for the dressing and a source of good fats.
• Garlic, sugar, salt, pepper & Greek yogurt: These round out the dressing, giving it depth, creaminess, and a perfect seasoning balance.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe my own by swapping ingredients depending on what I have around or what I’m in the mood for. The possibilities here are endless, and it’s a great way to play around with flavors without stress.

• Add Avocado: I often toss in diced avocado for a creamy boost that’s super satisfying.
• Swap the Cheese: Sometimes I use crumbled blue cheese instead of feta to give it a little extra punch.
• Make it Vegan: Leaving out the cheese and swapping Greek yogurt for a plant-based option works beautifully.
• Seasonal Fruit: In the fall, I swap grapes and blueberries with pomegranate seeds or chopped apples for a cozy twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Quinoa and Edamame Perfectly

Start by cooking the quinoa according to the package directions — I usually use a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio and let it simmer covered until the water is absorbed, fluffing it gently afterward. Then, cook the frozen edamame, either boiling or steaming them until tender but still nice and bright green. Be sure to drain everything well and cool it down a bit before tossing into the salad bowl. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference so your salad isn’t soggy or mushy.

Step 2: Prep the Kale and Other Salad Ingredients

Grab your bunch of curly kale, remove the thick ribs, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. I like to massage the kale gently with a pinch of salt just to soften it up a little — it makes the texture way more enjoyable. Then, add your fresh blueberries, halved red grapes, dried cherries, crumbled cheese, sunflower seeds, and walnuts to a large bowl with the quinoa and edamame.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Pour orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper into a mason jar, seal it tight, and shake vigorously for a minute or two until everything emulsifies. Add the Greek yogurt and shake again until creamy and smooth. This dressing is the key to tying all those ingredients together — it’s tangy with a hint of sweetness and garlic punch, so taste and adjust seasoning before adding it to the salad.

Step 4: Toss, Serve, and Enjoy

Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss well to make sure every leaf and fruit gets coated. I usually serve this immediately so everything stays fresh and crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and give it a good toss before serving the next day.

How to Serve Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch. Sometimes I add a few fresh mint or basil leaves for a fresh herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or baked salmon for an easy yet elegant dinner. For vegetarians, adding warm lentils or chickpeas alongside makes a complete protein-packed meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving this salad inside hollowed-out oranges or in individual mason jars. I once layered it in a clear trifle bowl for a beautiful color showcase that impressed all my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2 days to keep textures fresh. I find that the salad soaks up the dressing as it sits, so giving it a quick toss before eating refreshes the flavors nicely.

Freezing

Since this salad is best fresh, I don’t recommend freezing it — ingredients like kale and fresh fruit don’t thaw well and can become mushy. If you want to meal prep, freeze the quinoa and edamame separately and combine with fresh ingredients when ready to eat.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the quinoa and edamame before mixing with fresh ingredients, just microwave or warm them on the stove until hot, then toss with kale and dressing at serving time. This keeps the salad bright and crisp without losing any flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Twelve Superfoods Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it manages to be both incredibly nourishing and downright delicious without any fuss. I always feel like I’m treating myself but in the healthiest way possible. Plus, it’s easy enough that you can enjoy it any day of the week—and who doesn’t want a game-changing salad they can rely on? So next time you want a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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